Event planning can be overwhelming and daunting. My experience planning a myriad of events for previous jobs, internships and personal ventures still makes me ask the same questions: Where does one even start? Do I book a venue without knowing how many people will likely come? What is too much food? (Is there such a thing?)
Luckily, my experience has also led me to compile a list of the top 18 things you should check off your list in order to successfully plan an event.
- Catchy or Descriptive Event Title
Make it rhyme. Make it slide off the tongue. Make it something people have fun asking others if they are also attending.
- Creative Collateral
Buy into decorations that are not only memorable, but represent your brand perfectly
- Event Rollout/Announcement
Press release, radio spot, social campaign, etc. Whatever type of announcement, ensure it matches your brand
- Lead up promotional content
Share sneak peeks of food, drinks, speakers, giveaways, etc.
- Online Registration
Set up an easy way for people to register and get tickets
- Venues
Too tight, and people are sweating and mad. Too big, and nobody will connect with each other. Finding the right space for the right event may require a few site visits
- The Most Important: Good food
We know you’ve been to a wedding where the food has ruined the entire experience
- Relevant Industry Partners and Sponsors
Partner with companies your attendees already know and utilize. It’s good marketing for both you and the other brand
- A Well-Known Speaker or Emcee
The right name attached to your event can get people excited before the party even starts
- Valuable Giveaways
Not just monetarily, but it should mean something to your attendees
- Supplemental Online Engagement During and Post Event
Give attendees another place to connect with each other
- Create a Hashtag
This will make it easier to check exactly how much fun people had on social media
- Document your Event
You can use this as engaging content at a later date
- Appropriately Staffed
Whether you need 10 waiters or two bartenders, be prepared
- Great Customer Service
One awkward conversation and a person could be telling a different story of your party
- Good Energy
This is something you and the rest of your staff can control. If you have the right attitude from the beginning, others will follow
- Have a Backup Plan
For just about everything. You don’t know when catering will just decide to not write your date down correctly
- Ask for Feedback Post-Event
This is something LEAP does with every all-company meeting. Without this feedback, we wouldn’t know how to improve year after year